The recent donation of $250,000 to the Emanuel Cancer Center by Jeani and John Ferrari continues a 30-year Ferrari tradition.

In 1976, a gift from John and his sisters, JoAnn Ferrari DiGiovanni and Gail Ferrari Martin, in memory of their father, Albert Ferrari, helped renovate Emanuel’s Emergency Room.

John is a second-generation grower who serves on Emanuel’s Board of Directors and Jeani is an interior designer and community volunteer.  Like many others, cancer has touched their lives.  When Jeani’s best friend was recently diagnosed, the couple knew precisely where they wanted their next charitable gift to be directed.

“We’re excited about the new cancer center and the opportunity for Emanuel to partner with Stanford University on the project,” said John Ferrari.  “This is going to be a big step forward for the medical center in that patients who previously have had to travel out of the community for their health care will now have it close at hand.”

The Ferrari family has a legacy of devoting time, energy and resources to help improve their community. Jeani serves on the board of the Yosemite Association and the couple formerly was involved with Yosemite Fund Council, which dedicated the $13 million Yosemite Falls Project in 2005.

“Their commitment to the community and to the region is second to none,” said John Sigsbury, Emanuel’s President and CEO.

Jeani is concerned about the region’s rapid growth.  Putting her passion into action, Jeani works for farmland preservation as a board member of Central Valley Farmland Trust and as president of Farmland Working Group.  Additionally, the Ferraris have placed a conservation easement on their Humboldt Ranch south of Turlock.

“Just as there are individuals like Jeani committed to farmland preservation and smart growth, there are many individuals in our community committed to Emanuel,” commented John.  “I believe it is important to support Emanuel, not only because it’s locally operated but also because it is a faith-based hospital.  That’s very important to Jeani and me and we know that fact is reflected in the high level of care given to patients.” 

“I continually hear about the caring nurses and doctors at Emanuel,” commented Jeani.  “It is humbling to be associated with a hospital with that spirit and commitment to healing.”